Last year I was running 180-190 on my gauge. This year I'm running 200-210 according to the gauge.

The two changes I made are I now have a SCX drive with low water pickup only. And a Hardin S/S raw water pump housing.

I have heard stories about both of these cause water issues pressure/flow.

I guess the first thing I will do is put the plastic housing back on.

There is a noticeable difference in flow at the strainer at idle.

Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.

I say too hot.

Too hot before and too hotter after. Seems the pump would be fine, probably same size impeller and ports. The restriction of the low water pickup would be my first guess. Just a guess.

Too hot even before you did anything .Maybe check the hose that goes from bellhousing to gimbal housing at both ends. Corrosion can choke the hose at the connection points.

That hose is fine, checked it when I put the new helmet/bellhousing on. Along with all the other tubes to raw water pump.

I don't think there is a restriction there. It's a pretty large hole. I was running a XZ drive with both low and high pickup. But I wouldn't think it's more of a restriction. Still should be pulling the water from the same static water height I would think.

Did you replace hose or leave it attached at gimbal housing .That's where they usually choke.

It should have a water temp within 5-10* of the Tstat opening temp.
Before and after are too hot.

I had a lesser amount of water flow also when i installed the Hardin ss water pump . I put the old plastic housing back on with the new impeller and problem went away . I have since received a new one with a redesigned inner backing plate but will not be able to test until late spring if it ever arrives here . Very nice product but i believe it could have used a little more testing and a better QC guy as mine had some defects in the casting on the inside . The new one has no visible defects .

do you have a automotive thermostat,that would do it.